As well as making waves in the music world, her acting career was just getting off the ground and she had big things in the works before her death. Aaliyah performing at The Forum in Inglewood, California, in 1997 in a strappy bikini top with a vinyl coat and baggy pants. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. It's thought Puffy (aka Diddy) potentially had plans to work on the album, which fell through. Aaliyah filmed the underwater scenes for the video in Miami, Florida, on Aug. 22. Read on for all the details. A groundbreaking R&B singer, Aaliyah had grown up determined to be a star and took voice lessons and auditioned for television shows as a child. He passed away in 2012 from cancer and was buried alongside his daughter. Those four days were very beautiful for everyone, he told MTV. After his release, DMX planned a 32-date tour to mark the 20th anniversary of Its Dark and Hell is Hot. But the rapper canceled a series of shows to check himself into a rehab facility in 2019. His gift meant so much to so many. [29][30][31] One In A Million was reissued on August 20, 2021[32][33][34] and re-entered the UK Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40 at number eight[35] and reached the top ten for on the Billboard 200 in the US for the first time at number ten, selling 26,000 album-equivalent units in the week ending of August 26. He was the husband of Diane Haughton. The awards were presented just 12 days after Aaliyah's death, on September 6, and originally she was booked as one of its presenters. Why the aircraft was cleared to take off in the first place has largely remained a mystery since the devastating crash almost two decades ago. Meanwhile, authorities determined that the Cessna had exceeded its maximum payload limit by 700 pounds and that the pilot hadnt even been approved to fly it and had lied to get his pilots license. They took her out of the van; she didnt even know she was getting boarded on a plane, Russellrecounts in the book. She had finished filming the music video for her hit song 'Rock the Boat' The plane was late arriving at the airport by two hours, Russell said. The star's funeral took place in New York City on August 31, 2001 and saw a hearse drawn by horses lead her body through the streets of the Upper East Side. In 2020, the star's former hairstylist and makeup artist Eric Ferrell revealed that the late star was outspoken about her views and wasn't afraid to stand up for her beliefs. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Kingsley Russell, who was 13 at the time, had been working for his family's taxi and hospitality business when he was asked to work as a baggage carrier for the singer. What was Aaliyah's cause of death? On November 17, 2003, pathologist Dr. Giovander Raju stated at the corner's inquest that the "One in a Million" singer died of severe burns and a blow to the head. Along with the MAC collection, MAC and i-D Magazine partnered up to release a short film titled "A-Z of Aaliyah" which coincided with the launch. In 2000, Aaliyah made her acting debut in the surprise action hit Romeo Must Die, starring opposite martial arts star Jet Li in a Romeo and Juliet-inspired story set in modern-day Los Angeles. As Ferrell wrote, "She once very forcefully checked a fellow actor who was continually taunting a gay crew member on the set of Romeo because the man was flamboyant," adding that Aaliyah supposedly "set him straight and made him apologize in front of the entire crew.". Aaliyah died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001. HARRIS: You can see her influence in everything from Drake to Syd to Normani. This death was shocking news for her family members, fans, relatives, and friends as well. She also earned a Grammy nomination for one of its singles, "Try Again.". He credits her continued appeal to her talent and curiosity about her potential., What she could have been, he said. Mario Tama/Getty ImagesFans watching R&B singer Aaliyahs funeral procession towards St. Ignatius Loyola Church. INSKEEP: Aaliyah was known for her voice and her fashion and was moving into acting. Aaliyah died on impact when her plane crashed just a minute after takeoff. An inquest heard the singer had suffered 'severe burns and a blow to the head' as the result of a fatal plane crash. Here is all you want to know, and more! Celebrity makeup artist Eric Ferrell was the mastermind behind late R&B legend Aaliyah s signature face. According to CR, she wanted to start her own clothing line before her death and was supposedly on the brink of starting a Japanese-inspired clothing line. "We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. One of the most tragic parts of Aaliyah's life was how short it was cut suddenly and in a horrific way. Watch Aaliyah: Princess of R&B on Lifetime Movie Club. Per ABC News, one of the biggest happened in Detroit (her hometown) where hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their respects. But in her upcoming book, Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah, music journalist Kathy Iandoli believes she's finally uncovered the truth. Six days after Aaliyah died, her funeral was held on Aug. 31, 2001, at the Church of St. Ignatius in Loyola in Manhattan. Rashad Hasan Haughton was born on August 6, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York to Diane and Michael Haughton (1951-2012). At what age did Aaliyah die? [26][27][28], In August 2021, it was reported that the One in a Million album and Aaliyah's other recorded work with Blackground (since rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0) would be re-released on physical, digital, and streaming services in a deal between the record label and Empire Distribution. The Cessna 402 crashed shortly after takeoff. I was almost upset with her. CNN . A later unearthed marriage certificate listed the then 15-year-old as 18. The next day, she filmed aboard a boat with several dancers. Aaliyah Dana Houghton was just 22 when she died. Later that same year, she performed with R&B legend .css-47aoac{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#A00000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-47aoac:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Gladys Knight, the former wife of her uncle and manager, Barry Hankerson, at a five-night stand in Las Vegas. On board was R&B singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton, commonly known as "Aaliyah.". It burst into flames shortly after takeoff from the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. Sadly for Aaliyah and her closest friends and family, she wasn't even able to be laid to rest in peace. She had starred in the 2000 action film Romeo Must Die and was scheduled for a role in one of The Matrix sequels. In the end,Aaliyah worked with producer Timbaland and Missy Elliott, who were relativelyunknown at the time, but have since gone on to become household names. Meanwhile, outpourings of love and support from the music and entertainment worlds have been flowing in since news of his hospitalization broke -- and more flooded social media feeds Friday upon news of his death. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. "She always greeted you with a smile. According to her cousin Jomo Hankerson, Aaliyah was "villainized" for their relationship. The news of her death was a blow, Gladys Knight told Rosie magazine in February 2002, according to People. [38] In celebration of the reissue, Blackground released an animated commercial titled "It's Been A Long Time" (in a similar style to the album's original 2001 commercial), directed by Takahiro Tanaka, showing Aaliyah resurrecting her music from out of a large underground vault.[39]. A few years later, DMX wassentenced to a year in prisonfor tax fraud. While the 27-year-old mentored Aaliyah and produced her debut album Age Aint Nothing but a Number in 1994, he also groomed her into a sexual relationship and marriage, which was later annulled. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. TALENTED singer Aaliyah had a future of musical success before her life was tragically cut short. NME claimed in August 2012 that Aaliyah has sold 13 million copies worldwide. Aaliyah died on Aug. 25, 2001, which was 20 years ago today, in a plane crash in the Bahamas. On August 25, 2001, 22-year-old R&B singer Aaliyah died along with eight others when the private plane she had chartered to Miami crashed in the Bahamas. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. AALIYAH shared a haunting premonition in one of her final interviews, appearing to foreshadow her own death just weeks before she was killed in a plane crash. Aaliyah Haughtons life was tragically cut short 20 years ago, but the Princess of R&B is still on top of music charts, headlines, and hearts, today. The One in a Million megastars overloaded Cessna 402B twin-engine plane crashed shortly after taking off from the Bahamas, where she filmed her final music video, on Aug. 25, 2001. Aaliyah cut ties with Kelly after the accusations of illegal marriage. "The person who I thought had the most common sense in the world had [the] common sense to not get on the plane. He died in November 2012 at the age of 61, eleven years after his daughter. Long before the singer Aaliyahs death, she was determined to be a star. I dont know if her fans know that about her.. for 1998's Dr. Dolittle, starring Eddie Murphy, went to No. The tragic passing of DMX led many on social media to invoke the memory of Aaliyah and the special friendship the two icons had. Singer and actress Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York. "I remember when Aaliyah passed away, I was really upset," Iandoli said toThe Daily Beast. Aaliyah Dana Houghton was just 22 when she died. She had finished filming the music video for her hit song 'Rock the Boat' when she and eight others decided to travel back to Florida almost immediately on August 25 2001. She would have been 43 years old this year. In May 2002, Aaliyah's parents filed a negligence lawsuit against operator Blackhawk International Airways Corp., Skystream Inc. and Gilbert Chacon, and Atlantic Flight Group. During 1994 it was widely reported Kelly and Aaliyah had secretly married, but both denied it. Along with his musical career, DMX paved his way as an actor. "Aaliyah was, like, the sacrificial lamb for all that because she didn't deserve none of that. She was 22 years old. Aaliyah at the 2001 Essence Awards in New York City. He claimed he believed Aaliyah would have not have supported the Trump administration and revealed how she stood up against injustice, particularly aimed at the LGBTQ+ community. Billboard 200, but the first single, We Need a Resolution, peaked at 59 and early high album sales began to wane. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, the young singer competed unsuccessfully on the television program Star Search at age 11. Did you encounter any technical issues? The 22-year-old, complaining she had a headache, then climbed back into the taxi van and laid down on the back seat for a quick nap. All Rights Reserved. In 2016, The Wrap reported that a clothing line featuring images of the late star was hit with a copyright lawsuit from a photographer who claimed his photo was used on an item without their permission. She had her own thing going and she was growing bigger and bigger at the time of her loss, Tionne T-Boz Watkins of the group TLC recently told CNN of her fellow artist. Two others died in hospital. Haughton dealt with the media promotion: "We wanted to create a line where the minimalism is there. Reflecting on her life, Sean 'P Diddy' Combs told TRL: "She was one of those individuals that would light up a room. "It was like something was going down in history every time I was with her. However, after her death, Los Angeles Times reported that sales spiked 595%, and the album eventually hit the top spot. Twenty years ago today, on August 25, 2001, a small Cessna plane crashed. Later that year, tabloid reports surfaced claiming that the sultry teen singer had married the 27-year-old Kelly, but Aaliyah denied the union and the marriage was reportedly annulled. First responders helpedbring DMX back to lifeafter he was found unresponsive in a hotel parking lot in Yonkers in 2016. Raju posited that Aaliyah had endured such physical shock that she wouldve likely died even if she survived the crash. Her Anastasia theme song received an Oscar nomination. Aaliyah arriving at MTV's 20th anniversary event in 2001. [36] After the album's re-release, Aaliyah re-entered the UK Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40 at number seven[37] and reentered the US Billboard 200 chart at number 13, charting at number four for high pure sales. It was reported that the late singer experienced mean girls in middle school and shared some advice on how she dealt with the hateful comments. An inquest by Dr. Giovander Raju at the coroners office determined Aaliyah died after suffering severe burns and a blow to the head. She also experienced extreme shock that damaged her heart, according to The Sun. After selling two million copies and breaking into Hollywood, Aaliyah was an official A-lister. TALENTED singer Aaliyah had a future of musical success before her life was tragically cut short. The victims were transported to the Princess Margaret Hospital morgue in Nassau. And it's good to know that, like, even though her career and her life were cut short, it seems like people seem to appreciate her. It's Been 20 Years Since R&B Singer Aaliyah Died In A Plane Crash On Aug. 25, 2001, a small plane crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from an [9], In February 2002, Queen of the Damned, a film which starred Aaliyah as Queen Akasha, was released. Some of those closest to Aaliyah believe the star and her legacy have been exploited following her death. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. Damon Dash also claimed his relationship with the late star was used for ratings when he appeared on the reality series "Growing Up Hip Hop." DMX released seven albums, earned three Grammy nominations and was named favorite rap/hip-hop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards over the course of his storied musical career. The cause of death is listed as a lung injury, with contributing factors of weight loss, malnutrition, and poor living conditions, Xenia police said. They are very protective of my sister, which is heartwarming. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from It looks like fans will have to watch this space when it comes to finally being able to listen to the star's full albums on-demand. Aaliyah began auditioning for television shows while still in middle school and appeared on the popular Star Search talent program when she was 11 years old. Story highlights. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Her tragic death, coming hours after she completed filming the music video for her single Rock the Boat in which she floats in the ocean like an ethereal angel, left fans grief-stricken. Her first two albums, "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" and "One in a Million," saw moderate success on the Billboard Top 200, with both reaching a peak position of 18 (via Billboard), but it wasn't until after her death that she got her first number one album. Aaliyah performing in Tommy Hilfiger 1997. The rapper's family was by his side when he died. Authorities have confirmed that R&B singer and actress Aaliyah is among eight people killed in a plane crash. Though it was a short and eventful life, Harris says her talent endures. Why did you want to get on that plane so badly? His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity, his record label, Def Jam Recordings, said in a statement describing him as nothing less than a giant., Prayers up for my brother DMX . In addition, Marsh Harbor airport employees claimed that they along with the pilot, Luis Morales complained about the excess weight but were ignored. Astrological Sign: Capricorn, Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts, Death Year: 2001, Death date: August 25, 2001, Death Country: The Bahamas, Article Title: Aaliyah Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/musicians/aaliyah, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: January 12, 2021, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Haughton appeared in a number of Aaliyah's music videos, including "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number", "If Your Girl Only Knew", "4 Page Letter" and "Hot Like Fire". Dash also shares sons with his former girlfriends Linda Williams and Cindy Morales. The tragic death of R&B phenom Aaliyah was sudden and shocking, but it took two years for the disturbing details of her autopsy to be revealed. "The fact that she was so adamant, staying in the cab, refusing these are things we never knew.". He starred in the 1998 film Belly and appeared in 2000s Romeo Must Die with Jet Li and Aaliyah. Instead, Haughton presented PerCNN, a Bahamian Civil Aviation Department report determined that several factors played into the accident. While a student in the dance program at Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts (she graduated in 1997), Aaliyah released her sophomore album, One in a Million (1996). Aaliyah performing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 26, 2000. Aaliyah during Urban Aid benefit concert in New York City. When asked byCBS Chicagoif hebelieves the claims against Kelly are true Carey cited the singers marriage to pop star Aaliyah who was only 15 at the time. The Aaliyah for Mac collection was released on June 20 online and June 21 in stores. Much has been said about Aaliyah's controversial relationship with R&B singer R. Kelly. It's said that she had a very difficult time getting her second album, "One In A Million," off the ground following her relationship with R. Kelly. How did he die? Given how many artists have tried to emulate Aaliyah, often without given her proper credit, King said, hes not surprised that a new generation of fans have gravitated to her music and want to know more about the singer. Aaliyah and co-star Jet Li at the premiere of "Romeo Must Die" in 2000. Rashad Haughton)", "JANET, MISSY, OTHERS HONOR AALIYAH DURING VMAS; JACKSON READS LETTER SUBMITTED TO MTV.COM BY FAN; AALIYAH'S BROTHER THANKS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES WHO OFFERED CONDOLENCES", "Aaliyah's brother onstage at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards", "Third Eye Blind, Seal, Liz Phair Rock For Breathe Breast Cancer Benefit", "FOURTH ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD BLACK FILM FESTIVAL", "Rashad Haughton, brother of singer Aaliyah, accepts the award for Outstanding Female Artist on behalf of his late sister at the 33rd NAACP Image Awards at the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California, February 23", "We Just Caught a First-Look at the MAC x Aaliyah Makeup Collection", "Why Aaliyah for M.A.C. Her given name is derived from the Arabic Ali, which translated to highest or most exalted one. Aaliyah was naturally drawn to performing, which her vocalist mother, Diane, wisely noted by enrolling her in voice lessons as a child. We will bring down anybody who tells us how to mourn our own." appreciated. After learning about R&B singer Aaliyahs death, read about Buddy Hollys fatal plane crash. AALIYAH: (Singing) The time has finally come to save my beats with the funky hip-hop swing - the funky swing I might add - oh, check it. 1:51 PM EDT, Wed August 25, 2021. He then alleged that Aaliyah wanted nothing to do with Kelly after their controversial marriage and "was just happy to be away [from him].". She had finished filming the music video for her hit song 'Rock the Boat' when she and eight others decided to travel back to Florida almost immediately on August 25 2001. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The Hollywood Reporter claimed that "One In A Million" had sold 8 million copies worldwide as of August 2011, and was certified double platinum in 1997 (per RIAA). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. That is part of what inspired her to write her book, she said. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). 2023 Cable News Network. On Aug. 25, 2001, a small plane crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from an island in the Bahamas. On board was R&B singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton, commonly known as Aaliyah. Twenty years ago, on August 25, 2001, a small Cessna plane crashed. It burst into flames shortly after takeoff from the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. Writer Iandoli said the singer deserves acclaim, given her influence on the industry and ability to comfortably blend musical genres. She says Aaliyah's style can be found everywhere in today's R&B. [The airport staff] and Aaliyah had the common sense that the plane was overweight, Russellsays in the book, as reported by the Beast. and more flooded social media feeds Friday upon news of his death. She had finished filming the music video for her hit song 'Rock the Boat' In a separate statement, White Plains Hospital extended its "deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. It was initially suggested that Aaliyah, a known nervous flier, had insisted on boarding the plane back to Miami. "People didn't really understand how she always wanted to have this tomboy chic look," Lee said. She was 22 years old at the time of her death. Nobody heeded Morales warning that the plane was overloaded, leading to Aaliyahs death. It was an unexpected death. Following her controversial relationship with R. Kelly, it seems Aaliyah was almost about to get her happy ending with record executive Damon Dash. A staff writer for All Thats Interesting, Marco Margaritoff has also published work at outlets including People, VICE, and Complex, covering everything from film to finance to technology. "She never wanted to look too far away from achievable for any girl on the street," said Aaliyah's stylist, Derek Lee. She died on August 25, 2001, in Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas. "She went on the airplane asleep.. It was produced by Timbaland. Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York. Despite the R&B label,Aaliyah was unique and didn't fit any genre. DMX, the raspy-voiced hip-hop artist who produced the songs Ruff Ryders Anthem and Party Up (Up in Here) and who rapped with a trademark delivery that was often paired with growls, barks and What! as an ad-lib, has died, according to a statement his family released Friday. He died at White Plains Signed to his label at 12 years of age, she released her debut at 15 and became a star. For Williams, it was a treasured memory. The fact that she brought so much style and flair and flavor into hip hop and into R&B, then the fact that she was able to meander between those worlds seamlessly.. Affectionately referred to as the Princess of R&B thanks to her multiple hits that attracted fans to the genre she got her start on "Star Search"as a child in 1989 when she performed a stunning rendition of "My Funny Valentine." He welcomed his fifth child, his first with his fiance Raquel Horn, in November 2020, confirming the news on Instagram. Warner Bros. PicturesJet Li and Aaliyah in Romeo Must Die (2000). The film debuted at number one and was dedicated to Aaliyah. [16], Haughton appeared at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards to pay tribute to his sister, alongside Aaliyah's role model Janet Jackson and her close friends/coworkers Ginuwine, Missy Elliott, and Timbaland. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Sending love to his family. The rapper was admitted to a New York hospital on April 2 following a heart attack and had been on life support since; an autopsy will be conducted to determine his Premature rumors about the rapper's death swirled on social media since his hospitalization. Aaliyah has also inspired a number of other ranges, including a streetwear collection launched in 2017. In the wake of her passing, Aaliyah's name was attached to a number of fashion brands, one of which, unfortunately, caused controversy. Richman would not confirm previous reports that an overdose may have contributed to his heart attack. [5][6] He and Aaliyah attended a Catholic school, Gesu Elementary. The duration of the flight would only have been an hour long as it was such a short According to trial testimony, the pair married when she was 15 using fraudulent ID for the teen. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. The rapper suffered a heart attack on April 2 and has been on life support for the past few days prior to his passing. DMX!" We all worked together as a family. At that age, Aaliyah left this beautiful world. An inquest heard the singer had suffered 'severe burns and a blow to the head' as the result of a fatal plane crash.